You are probably watching the Olympics, just like my family and I are. We watched Michael Phelps win his 3rd gold (not nearly as exciting as the 2nd gold in the 400m freestyle relay, that was an unbelievable comeback), and during the last 50m of the 200m individual freestyle event, the commentators made a remark that really struck me as being related to fundraising. 

They said that Phelps was a master self-motivator. That he had an uncanny ability to figure out what we wanted and then to really go after it until the task was completed. They cited an example of Phelp’s ex-rival, an Australian swimmer named Thorpe, saying that Phelps could not win 7 golds, much less the 8 he is going after. Phelps put that article in the back of his locker and used it as “fuel” every practice.

How does this relate to fundraising? You need to find out what your kids can use as “fuel” to hit the goal that you are setting. What can you bribe them with, convince them of, rally them for, anger them to action with that will cause your fundraiser to be a success? If you ask them enough, they will tell you.

Before your fundraiser begins, especially smaller groups – like teams, bands, cheer squads – take the time to figure out how to motivate your kids to hit the goal you are expecting them to hit. Maybe you might inspire them to do something unbelievable.

As always, call if you need anything.